Howdy! New here and need some professional advice

[HerrmannStudios]

How is everyone?

I found this forum in a Google search and registered because it seems like a pretty busy place to discuss video. So let me first say, it's good to be here and I plan to learn quite a bit to help me with my future business which will incorporate video and photography. I have more experience in photography but enjoy creating videos more and there is far less competition in a business sense.

I use to edit with Sony Vegas but it seemed very cluncky. Is that a word? I mean, it was more difficult than it needed to be in my opinion and as you know, when you're trying to earn money editing videos that last thing you want to do is spend two weeks on one film. Also, Vegas was very slow in almost every aspect of the software. That also could be my computer so I understand that but still, I wasn't real impressed. This was years ago and I don't remember what version it was, sorry.

Right now I am using a trial version of Cyberlink PowerDirector 12. Even with my dinosaur computer I am impressed how quick it is compared to Sony Vegas. But, when I research in other forums and read the countless reviews about Cyberlink PowerDirector 12 people really bash it. I have not seen any of those issues but of course, it's just a trial version and I've only messed with it a few hours.

I see many others are using Pinnacle Studio software but there doesn't seem to be any trial versions available, unless I'm missing something. I wanted to at least try it before I decide which editing software to purchase.

So finally, here's my question:

What do most of you use for a solid, easy to use editing software for the PC? Since I run Windows XP and only have 2GB ram I'm not sure anything out there right now would perform well, although Cyberlink seems to run fine on it with the little time I've spend editing.

Let me add something by saying I don't mind a more complicated editing software because I can learn anything. But in business, time is money and it just makes more sense to use software that you can be more productive instead of wasting precious time fumbling with complicated software. Does that make sense?

Thanks for any advice!

Scott

[fritzi93]

I think you'll find that Vegas will run a lot better on a more modern multi-core machine. Particularly with a 64-bit OS (like Win7 X64) with lots of RAM. Your computer details are skimpy, but if it's a single-core, no wonder it's slow for editing. I'd venture to say Vegas is preferred here over Cyberlink or (ugh) Pinnacle Studio.

[smrpix]

I would be wary of starting a business on consumer-level software and antiquated hardware. You're going to have to invest time and money to make this work. Vegas is the only software you've mentioned that has the reliability and depth to deliver consistently. It's also the lowest priced of the truly pro NLEs, and is very quick once you learn to use it.

[Hoser Rob]

Video editing on a 2GB machine running XP? Today? You've got to be kidding. And you're actually trying pinnacle without uninstalling it after less than 30 minutes?

Your profile says you're an IT tech. If that's true, which I seriously doubt, I hope video editing/production works out better for you.

[HerrmannStudios]

I would be wary of starting a business on consumer-level software and antiquated hardware. You're going to have to invest time and money to make this work...

I completely agree! I should add that I'm slowly going to build this business. I have a full-time job and my video/photography business will be something I can do on the side for a while. I am in no rush to jump into it full bore. I feel some computer upgrades are my top priority and I understand this.

So it appears Vegas is the way to go so far. Thanks for the input.

[smrpix]

If you want to get your feet wet in Vegas, the Movie Studio versions are inexpensive and utilize the same engine. There are frequent upgrade offers, so the total investment need never be more than having bought pro in the first place. You will need a faster machine in either case.

Good Luck.

[budwzr]

Don't buy the pro version of Vegas until you've mastered the Studio Line. You won't be able to grasp the added tools until about a year.

The old standby wedding videos that rely on text, overlays and transitions are like Gone With The Wind.

Today's event videos are expected to have particles, motion tracked animations, and plenty of bling. The old easy stuff is out. You're gonna need to learn MiDi music production too.

Or else your paid gigs are going to be few, if any. Hahaha



P.S. "Simple" is not desirable in an NLE. It's the other way around.